Looking Ahead puts the spotlight on runners of interest across Australia and New Zealand. Whether they are a particularly well-bred or high-priced runner having their first or second start, a promising galloper returning to the track or a horse which has trialled particularly well, we’ll aim to give you something to follow.
On Tuesday, we like the chances of a pair of 3-year-olds at Newcastle from the stables of Todd Howlett and Gary Portelli while at Ballarat a lightly-tried Anthony Freedman-trained representative looks a top prospect.
Newcastle Race 4, 2.45pm, Red Funnel Maiden, $35,000, 900m
Magic Boom (Spirit Of Boom) boasts a speedy pedigree and from an inside gate he looks set to make a name for himself in this dash for the cash. The 3-year-old has trialled well for trainer Todd Howlett with placings in his only two appearances, handling both rain-affected going and a faster track in the process.
Magic Boom as a yearling
A $140,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling Sale buy, Magic Boom is a son of the six-time winner Sparkling Sound (Oratorio {Ire}) and she is a half-sister to the Group 3 performer Pride Of Westbury (Octagonal {NZ}). Their dam is a three-quarter sister to the G2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ S. winner and G1 Waikato Draught Sprint runner-up Ferragamo (Success Express {USA}) and the family of the G1 BTC Cup winner Famous Seamus (NZ) (Elusive City {USA}).
Newcastle Race 5, 3.20pm, Easy Payroll Global Maiden, $35,000, 1300m
Quick Escape (Snitzel) has made an encouraging start to his career after failing to meet his $900,000 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale reserve. He is a gelded son of Leinan (USA) (Ready’s Image), who was a dual stakes winner in the United States and is a half-sister to Willow Bunch (Can) (Affirmed {USA}), also twice successful at Listed level. It is a handy North American black type family that has also had success in Australia with the G2 Alister Clark S. winner Pheidon (Al Maher) within its ranks.
Quick Escape as a yearling
Trained by Gary Portelli, Quick Escape was a trial winner before he went to the races and has a couple of minor place finishes from his three appearances. His best effort was a third at Kembla Grange two runs back under Adam Hyeronimus, who takes the reins again and should be able to give the 3-year-old every opportunity to break through from an inside barrier.
Ballarat Race 3, 2.30pm, Cervus Equipment Maiden, $23,000, 1500m
Mister Ballistic (Smart Missile) has been given plenty of time to mature and the waiting tactics may pay off here following a bold first-up showing at Pakenham. The 4-year-old finished runner-up over 1400 metres and in the hands of Clayton Douglas again he looks poised to go one better.
Mister Ballistic as a yearling
Trained by Anthony Freedman, Mister Ballistic is a half-brother to two winners with their dam Strictly Personal (Don Eduardo {NZ}) a half-sister to the G1 BTC Cup winner and sire Your Song. Also featuring on this pedigree page is the dual Group 1 winner and sire Fantastic Light (USA) and the G2 Pago Pago S. winner Tarquin (Hard Spun {USA}).
